The "Almost" Buck

I call this one my "Almost" Buck. Why?
Because I almost didn't get up and go out Sunday morning.
Because I almost didn't go to the blind I shot him out of.
Because I almost took a 44 Mag bolt action instead of the 280AI with me (it wouldn't have reached him).
Because I almost shot a tall 8 with stubby little brow tines that I watched for an hour.

This guy came out behind me, north end of a 400 yard long field. The blind is roughly in the middle, and most of the deer you see come out from the south or west. He came out of the northeast, and walked non-stop across the field and stopped behind a small tree and looked around. He turned north and walked towards the creek and I was sure he wouldn't stop, but he did and I took the shot. Ranged at 235 yards, with a Kimber Subalpine in 280 AI, heart shot, went 20 yards and folded up.
He's not huge, but he'll do. 11 point, 17 inch spread. I've not seen him before, or on any cameras.

Meat is supposed to be ready this Friday, mount will take a little longer...

Great buck man, congrats!

Heck of a buck Love the added story. That's why I hunt and hunt a lot because you just never know when its gonna happen.

Very nice buck congrats

very nice - like the almost scenario

Nice job and shot -good thing you had the right rifle. A lot of times I'll take 2 guns to the stand. A short range fun gun like the 44 lever, then a longer range bolt rifle. Just in case the big one walks out way out there.

very nice buck. Congrats!!

Excellent and enjoyed the story. Can't shoot anything in bed!

You never know

Great buck
Congrats

Good job!

Good buck and good story

Congratulations! He will do on any day no matter what else is coming in.

That is why I don't bother with cameras any more.....just get out and see what shows up.....low stress.....

Great buck! Congratulations

What county?

Great deer! If he's not huge to you, he can dang sure see it from where he's at.

Sometimes that's the way it is supposed to happen! Congrats all the way around !

Very Nice!!! I would have shot that buck!

Thanks for all the comments, guys. He’s only the second deer I’ve shot since owning my own place for 8 years. I sit out every chance I get, and love every minute of it. Never knowing what might show up is a big part of it.

County? great story and deer!

Beauty right there. Very nice deer.

Great buck that's what a goodun looks like!

Very nice

Nice buck

Awesome

Congrats on a great buck

Haha. Sometimes the stars line up!

nice kicker

He's gorgeous, congrats! Glad everything came together just right for you to get him!